No Drama at Christchurch

An experimental switch of the annual Drama Festival's venue from winter to Easter Tournament has proved abortive. After a decision made despite considerable misgivings, it was found that Easter is too early in the year to get a full-scale production on to the boards. Result: Auckland and Victoria fail to field teams (We know sickness aggravated matters, but still there wasn't enough time), and Canterbury and Otago decide that two doesn't make a festival. So we're back where we began, with the Festival planned for Winter Tournament this year, and for the Arts Festival (hollow laugh) in future years. It's just too bad that there is no suitable time for an Arts Festival.